Astrocytoma chemotherapy is the treatment given to cure astrocytic tumors, which is a type of brain tumor. Astrocytomas are tumors that evolve from the brain cells known as astrocytes. Astrocytomas are of two types - High grade and low grade. Astrocytic tumors in most cases are low grade in children whereas the high grade tumors occur majorly among adults. The tumor might occur in any part of the brain and the spinal cord.

High-grade tumors grow very fast and also spread very easily to different parts of the brain. Low grade tumors on the other hand take a very long time to grow and spread. Because high grade tumors are very aggressive they require intensive therapy to stop the spread.

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. Normally the cells in the central nervous system grow in a controlled and orderly fashion but if the order of growth is disrupted, it divides uncontrollably and forms a lump. This is termed as tumor. When these cancerous cells are seen encircling the spinal cord then it is called as cancer of the spine. There are different methods of treatment for cancer of the spine and these have proved to be effective as well.

A tumor can be further classified into malignant and benign tumor. Although benign tumor continues to grow, the cells do not spread to other areas. Malignant tumor on the other hand attack and destroy the surrounding areas as the cells spread and move to other surrounding tissues of the brain.

There are various nerve cells and many other supporting cells that protect the nerve cells within the spinal cord and the brain. The supporting cells are known as glial cells. A tumor arising inside these is known as glioma.

Astrocytic tumors are very common among glioma. It develops from a cell called astorcyte. They rarely occur in the spinal cords as in most cases they affect parts of the brain.

Every year a lot of people are diagnosed with tumors that affect the central nervous system. Many of them are malignant tumors and therefore quite dangerous. Tumors developing in the cerebrum are very common among adults and as people get older, the development chances of the tumor also increase. Astrocytic tumors are very common among young people and children.

Grading astrocytoma tumors:

Grading the tumor is done to know how quickly the tumor might spread and what kind of treatment needs to be taken by the patients. Grading also refers to the tumor appearance under a microscope. Tumors can be categorized under four grades. Grade 1 and 2 fall under the low grade category whereas grade 3 and 4 are high grade.

Low grade astrocytic tumors: Low grade tumors usually grow very slowly and do not spread to the connecting tissues. The grade 1 tumor in some cases is removed through surgery and there are very less chances for the tumor to come back. Grade 2 tumors can also be removed with the help of surgery but there are chances of the tumor growing back after surgery.

High grade astrocytic tumors: High grade tumors grow very fast and spread to different parts of the brain. These tumors generally come back after the initial treatment, which is called recurrence. It is important to take further treatment after the initial treatment is taken.

The cause of brain tumors in most cases is unknown. Symptoms related to astrocytic tumors develop very slowly. It also depends on the area of brain that is affected. For example, if there is a blockage in the ventricles, an increased pressure is developed within the skull. This can lead to headaches, sickness, vomiting and even visual problems. Chemotherapy for brain tumors is used to treat high grade primary tumors.

Depending upon the position of the tumor in the brain, other symptoms such as fits, behavioral changes and changes in the personality can occur. Your doctors need to examine, test and find out the type, position, and size of the tumor by doing intensive study and plan an appropriate treatment. Patients should also make doctors aware of each and every minute symptoms and problems they are facing.